Chapter Overview
Jesus instructs His disciples: do not cause others to stumble, rebuke a brother in sin in order to help him, forgive those who repent, and keep laboring in this way throughout your life. Rest from these efforts comes in heaven. Jesus later heals ten lepers, but only one, a Samaritan, comes back to thank Him. Gratitude is a crucial element of faith and ongoing faithfulness. Pharisees then ask Jesus about the kingdom, and He explains that it is already in their midst. They are looking for a major political upheaval. One was coming, but not as they expected. It would be the destruction of Jerusalem as judgment for rejecting the Son of God. Jesus gives a deep description of what that will be like and how devastating it will be.
Jesus is protective of His brothers and sisters. We must see that and reflect that same love in the way we support our Christian family. There will be sin, and correction will be needed. But the goal is always repentance and fellowship. Sometimes this means our own repentance. This is not easy, but we are unworthy slaves of our King and must tirelessly pursue His ways. Gratitude will help. We, like the lepers, have been cured of a deadly disease. To come to Him and express thanks at His feet humbles us and helps us approach people with the right heart. Like the Jews did in 70 A.D., everyone will answer for their faith. Commit to deepening your trust in Him.
“Increase our faith!” We proclaim these same words the apostles uttered to Christ so many years ago. Deepen our trust, renovate our hearts, and make us more like Him in every part of our lives. We pray for more gratitude so that we can be much more open to extending grace to others. Your Son has healed us. He has saved us from the judgment to come. We acknowledge our responsibility in connection with that. We know this means being mindful of Jesus and doing everything we can to help reconcile others to You. Gracious Lord, please increase our faith!
Thought Questions
- 1How are you at forgiving others, or even the willingness to do so? Is this something worth praying about, and how will that help?
- 2What has Christ done for you that makes you grateful today? How can that attitude fuel your thinking and words all day long?
- 3Jerusalem was destroyed and only a few were prepared and survived. How do you stay ready and alert for the day of final judgment?